Happy International Women's Day!

By The Hourngs in Cambodia March 08, 2026

Today is a holiday here in the beautiful country of Cambodia. We are celebrating International Women’s Day. Yes, you heard it right. Cambodia recognizes the value and contribution of women in the nation. Schools are closed, offices slow down, and many women are given time to rest.

For me, I decided to spend the day quietly by myself since I felt a bit suffocated from yesterday's chaos at home.
Sometimes that is a gift we rarely give ourselves.
Most days are full. Between teaching at the university, caring for my family, serving in ministry with my husband, and guiding my son, life moves quickly. The rhythm of being a wife, mother, lecturer, and pastor’s wife often means that personal quiet moments are few.
So today I did something simple.
I went out alone to reflect.
It has been a long time since I simply walked outside without thinking about schedules, meals, school assignments, ministry plans, or errands for the family. I went somewhere quiet, looked around a bit, bought what I wanted, and ate what I felt like eating. I smiled to myself because it felt unusual and refreshing.

Still, having a few hours of quiet felt like a deep breath for the soul.
I wondered about other women too.
What did you do today?
Is International Women’s Day also a holiday where you live?
Did you rest, work, spend time with family, or simply pause for a moment?

The Many Hats Women Wear 👈

Being a woman is not simple. We often carry many responsibilities at once. Many women work outside the home while also caring for the home. Some manage businesses. Some raise children while supporting their husbands. Some are single women faithfully serving in church and workplace while waiting on the Lord’s timing for their future.

Each season has its own challenges.
Women are natural multitaskers. We think about many things at the same time. We care deeply about people around us. We try to meet needs before anyone even asks.

But sometimes it becomes heavy.
There are days when we feel tired.
Days when we wonder if we are doing enough.
Days when we feel we have failed.
I know that feeling well.

There are moments when I feel I have not been patient enough as a mother. Moments when I wish I had spoken gentler as a wife. Moments when I wish I had responded more graciously in difficult situations.
Yet in those moments I remember something very important.
We have a gracious Savior.

Jesus understands us. He knows our weaknesses. He knows the quiet struggles inside our hearts. He meets us with mercy again and again.

Read my previous blog posts:

How to mindfully manage the household? 👍

Managing your Home & Finances 😅💪

5 Bible Verses to pray for your Husband 💕👫

How do you spend time with God? 🙏😍💟

How do we wait upon God? 👌💕

Young couples 👫👪💗

Growing as Women Who Fear the Lord

My Heart for the Young Women in Our Church

Today, as I reflected on Women’s Day, my heart also thought about the young women in our church.
Over the years I have had the privilege of spending time discipling several young Khmer wives and mothers. In the past we used to meet more often. Sometimes we had online discipleship sessions. Other times we met for coffee or meals.

Those were special moments.

But life changed.
One by one many of them became pregnant. Then babies came. Their days became filled with diapers, feeding schedules, sleepless nights, and caring for young children.
Naturally our meetings became less frequent.
Now most of the time we only see each other at church on Sundays. After the worship service we have a few minutes to catch up before everyone rushes home to cook, rest, or care for their little ones.
I understand their season very well.

Motherhood changes everything.

Schedules become full and sometimes unpredictable. Even leaving the house can require a lot of preparation.
But I thank God for communication apps.
Even when we cannot meet often, we can still send messages, check on each other, and pray for one another. Sometimes we even use translation apps because of language differences. Yet even with those challenges, the love and encouragement still come through.

I truly miss spending more time with them.

These beautiful Khmer women are navigating marriage, motherhood, and faith all at the same time. Each of them has a different story, a different personality, and different challenges.
Yet one thing is the same.
God is shaping them.
And honestly, He is still shaping me too.
Sometimes I share funny stories from my own marriage and parenting journey. Sometimes I share moments that were messy or difficult. I also share my mistakes because I want them to learn from them.
I tell them the truth.
I am still learning too.
I am still being shaped by God.
I am still growing.

My Long Love for Proverbs 31

One passage of Scripture that has always captured my heart is Proverbs 31.
During my single years, long before I met my husband Vandy, I often prayed through that chapter. I wanted to prepare myself not only to become a wife someday but to become a woman who truly honors God.
Even then I understood something important.
Being a Proverbs 31 woman is not about perfection.

It is about character.
It is about a heart that fears the Lord.
Even now, many years into marriage and motherhood, I still feel that I am a work in progress.

Sometimes pride still rises in my heart.
Sometimes selfishness appears in my reactions.
Sometimes impatience slips into my words.

That is why I constantly need God’s Word to guide me.
The beautiful truth about Proverbs 31 is that it does not focus on outward beauty. Instead it focuses on character and faith.
The well known verse says:

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Proverbs 31:30

Physical beauty fades. Charm can be temporary.
But a woman who fears the Lord carries a beauty that grows stronger with time.
Her life reflects God’s goodness.
Her character becomes a blessing to others.

What Proverbs 31 Really Teaches Us

Interestingly, Proverbs 31 was written by King Lemuel. Yet the wisdom actually came from his mother. She gave him advice about what kind of woman to value and honor.
That alone is powerful.
A mother teaching her son what kind of woman reflects godly character.

When we read Proverbs 31 carefully, we see that the woman described there is not perfect but faithful. She works hard. She cares for her family. She is wise with her decisions. She shows kindness and generosity.
Most importantly, she fears the Lord.
Her relationship with God is the foundation of everything else she does.
For busy mothers, working women, young wives, and single women waiting on God’s timing, this chapter reminds us that our worth is not measured by appearance, achievements, or social expectations.
Our worth is rooted in our relationship with God.

Six Reflections for Women from Proverbs 31

1. A Woman Who Fears the Lord Builds Her Life on God
Proverbs 31 reminds us that the most beautiful quality in a woman is her fear of the Lord.
This means loving God deeply, respecting His wisdom, and choosing His ways daily.
Busy schedules can sometimes pull us away from quiet time with God. Mothers wake up early to prepare meals. Professionals rush to work. Students prepare assignments. Single women carry responsibilities too.
But our relationship with God must remain the center.
Even a few quiet moments with Scripture and prayer can refresh our hearts.

Reflection Question
How is my personal time with God these days?

Practical Application
Start with a small daily habit. Read one passage from the Bible and say a short prayer before starting your day.

Prayer
Lord, help me place You first in my life. Teach me to seek You before everything else.

2. A Woman Who Fears the Lord Grows in Character

The Proverbs 31 woman is not praised for her appearance but for her character.
Her strength comes from the inside.
God is more concerned with our hearts than our outward image.
Many women feel pressure today to look perfect or to present a perfect life online. But God looks deeper. He sees humility, kindness, patience, and honesty.
These qualities grow slowly through daily surrender to Him.

Reflection Question
What character quality is God shaping in me right now?

Practical Application
Ask God to help you respond with patience and kindness in situations that test your character.

Prayer
Father, shape my heart to reflect Your love and patience.

3. A Woman Who Fears the Lord Serves Her Family with Love

Proverbs 31 shows a woman who cares deeply for her household.
Her work blesses her family.
This does not mean women must do everything alone. Many families share responsibilities today. But the heart behind her actions is love and care.
Motherhood can be tiring. Marriage can require sacrifice. Yet every act of love reflects God’s care for our families.

Reflection Question
How can I show love to my family in small daily ways?

Practical Application
Choose one intentional act of kindness for your spouse, child, or family member today.

Prayer
Lord, help me love my family with patience and grace.

4. A Woman Who Fears the Lord Uses Wisdom in Her Work

The Proverbs 31 woman is wise with her work and decisions.
She plans carefully and manages resources well.
Whether a woman works in business, ministry, education, or home management, wisdom is needed in every role.
God gives wisdom generously when we ask.

Reflection Question
Am I inviting God into my daily decisions and responsibilities?

Practical Application
Before making an important decision, pause and pray for God’s guidance.

Prayer
God, give me wisdom in my work and responsibilities today.

5. A Woman Who Fears the Lord Encourages Others

One beautiful part of Proverbs 31 is how the woman’s life blesses others around her.
Her words are wise and kind.
In church communities, women often support each other through prayer, friendship, and encouragement.
I have seen this among the young mothers in our church. Even with language differences and busy schedules, they still care for one another.

Reflection Question
Who can I encourage today?

Practical Application
Send a message or say a kind word to another woman who might need encouragement.

Prayer
Lord, use my words to bring hope and comfort to others.

6. A Woman Who Fears the Lord Trusts God in Every Season

Some women reading this are in the busy season of raising children.
Others are newly married.
Some are single and waiting for God’s timing for marriage.
Each season is meaningful in God’s plan.
Waiting seasons can feel long. Yet they are often times when God prepares our hearts deeply.
During my single years, Proverbs 31 was my prayer. I wanted to grow into a woman ready for whatever God planned.
Even now, preparation never stops.

Reflection Question
What is God teaching me in my current season?

Practical Application
Write a short prayer asking God to shape you during this season of life.

Prayer
Lord, help me trust Your timing and Your plans for my life.

Khmer Young Women (PPC-Dorm Ministry)
Celebrating Women Through Faith

International Women’s Day celebrates the contributions of women in society.
But as believers, we celebrate something even deeper.
Women growing in faith.
Women loving Jesus.
Women shaping families and communities through their character and prayers.

Whether you are a busy mother, a working professional, a young wife, or a single woman waiting on God’s plan, your life matters deeply to God.
Your quiet prayers matter.
Your daily faithfulness matters.
Your growth in Christ matters.
And the beautiful truth is this.
God is still working in all of us.
Just like the women I disciple. Just like me. Just like you.
We are all still growing.
And by His grace, we continue becoming women who fear the Lord.

Blessed Women's Day! 🌸🙏📖

Tess